The Hot List 2012

Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar

Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar

Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar

With its Middle Eastern arches, carved white-plaster walls,
ornate golden mirrors and sparkling brass lamps, Baraza resembles a
modern-day Omani palace. The new 30-suite hotel, on Zanzibar's
south-west coast, is set in 70 hectares planted with multicoloured
bougainvillaea, frangipani and jasmine, overlooking a dazzlingly
white, powder-fine beach. There's no shortage of space: each suite
(at least 148 square metres) has a private plunge pool and veranda,
living room with double daybed curtained with gold silk,
four-poster swathed in mosquito net, and a spacious bathroom with a
shower and pond-sized bath. Although it's private and romantic
enough for honeymoons, it's family-friendly, too, with a big
swimming pool, a kids' club packed with games and toys, a
watersports centre and bicycles for exploring Bwejuu beach. Meals
are served indoors and (preferably) out; the food at this
all-inclusive resort is plentiful and varied, if not particularly
inspiring, and often accompanied by performances from local Swahili
musicians. The highlights are the sea - sparkling in almost unreal
shades of brilliant blue - and the spa, which could have been built
for a princess. The regal interior, with a secluded pool at its
centre, glitters with mirrors, lamps, mosaics and silk-strewn
daybeds and it is staffed by skilled therapists from Bali, Thailand
and India. The owners are interior designers, and the boutique shop
stocks their own tasteful homeware range as well as alluring
treats, from Indian silk kaftans to clove-scented Zanzibari
soap.

When to go June to October, when it rarely
rains.

Room to book The two-bedroom Presidential
Villa, on the beach, with private pool and gardens.